Community Supported Fishery (CSF) Basics

This article includes information about American community supported fishery (CSF) programs. Also known as seafood co-ops, CSF programs provide alternatives to traditional methods of marketing seafood.

CSF programs allow members of a community to buy fish and other seafood directly from fishermen for a predetermined length of time.

CSF members (shareholders) pay a fee in advance. In turn, members receive shares of seafood caught during the season.

Regional CSFs

If you live near an area where seafood is harvested, odds are there is a community supported fishery or seafood co-op near you.

In the Pacific Northwest, CSFs provide salmon, halibut, crabs, prawns, and other delicacies.

In New England, CSFs and co-ops offer coldwater shrimp, cod, haddock, pollock, lobsters, clams, and other seafood.

In the Mid Atlantic region, CSF shareholders may find shrimp, oysters, clams, crabs, local fish, and other products.

Locate and Join a CSF

Most local Community Supported Fishery programs are easy to locate and join. Information can be obtained from local farmer's markets, state sea grant programs, trade organizations, social media, and other sources.

Related Information

Alaska Marine Conservation Council CSF

Commercial Fisheries

Local Catch Network

What is World Fisheries Day?

World Fisheries Day is celebrated each year on November 21 by fishing communities worldwide.

World Fisheries Day events include rallies, workshops, public meetings, cultural programs, dramas, exhibition, music show, demonstrations, and other activities.

Related Information

National – International Days – Weeks – Months

North American Commercial Fisheries

National Coalition of Fishing Communities (NCFC)

A new coalition of U.S fishing communities has been organized. The National Coalition of Fishing Communities (NCFC) will formally launch during the next U.S. Conference of Mayors meeting, to be held in Washington, DC on January 19, 2016.

NCFC members include:

 - municipalities with economic, social, and cultural ties to the fishing industry

 - associations who represent and are supported directly by working commercial fishing families

 - businesses who are involved in the harvesting, processing, distributing, marketing, and serving of seafood

 - individuals in fishing communities


NCFC is currently engaged in a membership drive. Members can join at the NCFC website, fisheriescoalition.org.